Canyoneering & Other Outdoor Ethics

Canyoneering & Other Outdoor Ethics

As you explore and experience the desert and outdoors, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

  • The desert is a fragile environment, treat it gently. Stay in washes and on slickrock whenever possible.
  • Cryptobiotic soil is extremely fragile, and takes a long time to regenerate. Stay off it if at all possible.
  • Keep group sizes small. 4-6 is plenty. Larger groups cause greater impacts during travel and camping.
  • Camp away from other campers if possible. If geography necessitates camping near another group, try to be polite neighbors and keep the noise to a minimum.
  • Camp away from streams and pools. Water is often sparse in desert areas, and wildlife need space to be able to get the water they need.
  • Don't contaminate water with harsh soaps or gray water from dishes.
  • Pack out your toilet paper, and use the restroom away from water sources and camping areas.
  • If re-doing an anchor, removing old sling material. Don't leave a rats nest of old slings.
  • Check the pull on each anchor to make sure it is not creating unnecessary wear grooves on the rock.
  • Inspect all anchors carefully! (knots, webbing,etc...)
  • Pack out any garbage you may find in the canyons, including old webbing.

 

Warning: Conditions in the outdoors can, and frequently do change. Like life, danger may lurk around any corner. This information is provided free of any warranty or liability. Be careful, be prepared, and use good judgment.